📖 what

What is an erratic in geology?

GeologyGlaciology

Quick Answer

An erratic is a boulder or rock fragment carried far from its original location by ice. It often sits in a place where the local bedrock is very different.

The Full Story

Glaciers can transport huge blocks of rock long distances, sometimes across valleys or from one rock type to another. When the ice melts, the carried blocks are dropped as erratics. They are valuable evidence of glacier movement and direction. The term is also used more broadly for any rock that seems out of place, but in geology it usually refers to glacial transport.

Key Facts

1.transported by glaciers
2.often different from local bedrock
3.helps reconstruct ice movement

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Suggested video title for this topic:

"The giant boulder dropped far from where it was born"